2017 Mazda 6 Sedan

Mazda has released photos of the new 2017 Mazda 6 Sedan which is set to go on sale this month. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Mazda 6 is largely unchanged. The biggest change is the introduction of the new G-Vectoring control which eases control of the car. The sedan continues on the automaker’s KODO-Soul motion design language. Read along to find out more:

2017 Mazda 6 Sedan Exterior

On the exterior front, the Mazda 6 is largely unchanged compared to the 2016 model. However, the few changes made have gone a long way to improve the model’s character. At the front, the sedan features a new grille with 6 horizontal slats rather than five in the outgoing model. This has made the front look bolder. Flanking the grille are modified LED headlights and revised turn signals. The lower apron now features new fog lights in new, boomerang-shaped chrome-trimmed housings.

Except for the revised taillights housings, the rear is unchanged. On the sides, the model features a set of 19-inch aluminum wheels finished in a dark color along with metallic flakes.

The model a new shark fin antenna and that’s it; other features are unchanged. The sedan is available in 9 different color hues including the new Titanium Flash Mica and Sonic Silver Metallic. Three premium colors are also offered at an extra cost, they are Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Machine Gray metallic and Soul Red Metallic.

The sedan size is also unchanged; it still stretches 192.7 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and has a height of 57.1 inches. Its wheelbase spans 111.4 inches.

2017 Mazda 6 Sedan Interior

The cabin has also received a significant dose of changes. The dash features a wider center trim, upgraded A/C vents as well as a new 7-.0-inch display. The center console on the other hand has also been upgraded. It now features a modified shifter and control layout while the instrument cluster gets new dials and graphics.

In terms of upholstery, the base models get quality fabrics while higher trims are upholstered in quality leather. The Grand Touring gets Nappa leather with a contrast piping. This trim also gets a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, black headliner as well as the ‘chidori’, a traditional Chinese contrast stitching.

The cabin is very quiet and serene courtesy of upgraded sound insulation which features better door seals and additional sound insulation materials on the rear console, underbody and on the doors. The windscreen is also thickened. Grand Touring models get laminated front side windows.

Technologies available include Mazda Connect which features internet connectivity. The model also comes with an Active Driving Display, traffic sign recognition, advanced blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.

Engine Specs and performance

Mazda has carried over the drive-train unchanged. The sedan will still be motivated by the same Skyactiv-G, 4-cylinder mill with a displacement of 2.5 liters. The engine is capable of producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission system.

The engine enables the sedan to make the 0-60 mph dash in 7.6 seconds. Fuel economy also remains unchanged. Models with manual transmission return 25 mpg in city and 37 mpg on highway drives while those with an automatic transmission are rated at 26 mpg and 38 mpg on city and highway drives respectively.

Like in the outgoing model, Mazda still offers the ‘i-ELOOP’ as a standalone optional feature. It is a system that uses kinetic energy harnessed during braking to produce electricity that is used later to power the audio system, headlights as well as the climate control system. The technology helps reduce reliance on the engine’s alternator which helps improve efficiency. In fact, on the Grand Touring trim, the ‘i-ELOOP’ system improves fuel efficiency to 28 mpg in city and 40 mpg on highway.

The vehicle becomes the first Mazda to use G-Vectoring control (GVC), a technology that enables integrated control of the body, chassis, engine and transmission. It reduces the need for steering connections to give the driver a more precise control.

Price and release date

Mazda has slightly increased the price of the sedan. The base Sport trim with a manual gearbox now starts at $ 21,945 while the automatic goes for $22,995 MSRP. For the Touring trim, models with a manual gearbox start at $24,195 while those with automatic transmission fetch $25,245.

The top-of-the-range Grand Touring starts at $30,695. For more, buyers can opt for optional packages at an extra cost. In addition, for $300 extra, you can have your model finished in one of the three premium paint colors offered.